The Franc Vila Selenity Master Quantième Automatique Watches are truly a vision of spring. Strap one of these babies on your wrist and feel the last cold breaths of winter simply vanish. Beneath the dial, which is done in varying complimentary shades of mother-of-pearl, beats a Swiss Dubois Depraz automatic annual calender supporting a moon phase movement. Not only does the watch provide a freshness associated with spring, but it also gives the opportunity for some serious watch wearing. Over the past couple of decades, most women's watches were quartz without complications. Girard-Perregaux Cat's Eye Movement were one of the first collections of ladies watches with complications, and then companies such as Chopard, Roger Dubois, Richard Mille and Gerald Genta followed suit. However, it is always exciting to see new womens watches with complications. The Franc Vila Selenity Master Quantième Automatique does a nice job of displaying the moon phase on the dial.

Another fabulous display of Springtime is the vivid Concord C1. It took a while for the new improved Concord company to add some real color to their watches. So after giving watch enthusiasts a glimpse of red last April with the release of the Concord C1 Eternal Gravity , Concord has delighted its lady watch wearers with the color purple. And if it's purple you want, its purple you get in all its shimmering magnificence. 219 baguette cut amethysts simply swaddle the Concord C1 filling every single void with purple. Gems cover the crown, push pieces, lugs, bezel, dial and concord C1 signature protective ring. The watch case is crafted in 18 carat white gold, which serves as the perfect subdued backdrop. The dial, protected by a 3.3 mm thick scratch resistant sapphire crystal, displays chronograph, seconds disc and date aperture. What better way to hail in spring then with the element of flowers. The new Mille Fleurs model are a welcome addition to Bovet's Amadeo Collection. The great aspect of this particular model, is the idea that the customer can choose the painted design on the mother-of-pearl dial. 12 diamonds mark the hours and accessorize the strap attachment above the 12 'o'clock. The watch is powered by a Bovet calibre 11BA12 automatic movement capable of a 72 hour power reserve. One can also choose the manner in which the watch is worn, either as a wrist watch, a pocket watch, a pendant watch or simply an elegant desk clock. The watch is delivered with a gold chain. In addition the straps are detachable. If you want versatility this watch definitely does the job. Available in 18k white or rose gold, this watch is a worthy companion.

Now this is a beauty , available for 30% off at THE WATCHERY, is the Vacheron Constantin Malte Lavender Mother-of-Pearl Dial Leather Alligator Women's Moon Phase Power Reserve, Geneva Seal Watch. Vacheron Constantin has summoned all its watch making experience , since 1755, and developed a work of art. 197 diamonds shimmer on the bezel surrounding a unique lavender mother-of-pearl dial. The watch requires winding, which without a rotor, explains the exceptional 10 mm thinness of the case. The movement is visible via a see through sapphire crystal case back, and since this watch has received the Hallmark of Geneva, the quality and finishing of the movement is second to none.

Ulysse Nardin, one of my favourite watch brands, has also caught Spring Fever. What could be more springy than Ulysse Nardin's Ladies Version of the Executive Dual Time Watch. The dual time is displayed in a jumping hour fashion at the 9 'o'clock position. The snow white ceramic bezel and 18k white gold or steel watch case with a matching rubber or alligator strap evokes a sense of new unblemished beginnings. At 40mm wide, this watch just wants to be worn in the sun.

Monday, February 21, 2011

The year is 1758, the world is embroiled in the Seven Years' War and George Washington is a young senior officer of the colonial forces. It will be another 31 years before he becomes the first president of the United States. 1758 is also the year the watch company, Gevril - watchmaker of kings, is founded in the Swiss La Chaux-de-fonds.

Like his elder master watchmaker, Daniel JeanRichard, Jacques Gevril began restoring timepieces. His talent and superior craftsmanship were immediately recognized. This is in an era where precision timekeeping is at a frenzy, fueled in part by the Longitude Act of 1714.

In 1743, Jacques Gevril crafted his own chronometer enabling sea vessels to determine their longitude and preventing terrible accidents at sea. The legend of Jacques Gevril's unparalleled watchmaking abilities travelled far and wide. In 1758, the king of Spain, Ferdinand VI, known for his refined tastes, heard about a legendary watchmaker, Jacques Gevril, and send a messenger to commission a timepiece for His Majesty. On completion, Jacques Gevril voyaged to Madrid to personally present his timepiece to the King.

At first glance, the King realized the timepiece was nothing like he had ever seen before. Used to a life of luxury, he had seen many beautiful things in his days, but this timepiece was different. The King was so impressed by the impeccable craftsmanship and sought after precision, he appointed Gevril "Watchmaker to the Crown."

Gevril watches became renowned for their high quality, and thus gained international success. Jacques's talented son, MoyseGevril followed in his father's footsteps, and ,in 1784, he too found success as "Master Clockmaker" In the 1800's, Gevril's enamelled dials became all the rage, while constantly improving precision.

(inset circa 1781)

Gevril watches were highly known among horological circles, but lesser known among the general public and knowledge of these fine watches dwindled. In 2001, the brand name was given a breath of new life.

The brand name was purchased by Mr. Samuel Friedman, an American salesman, who understood the importance of upholding Gevril's 250 years of watchmaking tradition as well as catering to the current horological arena. Mr. Friedman even goes as far as fashioning his dials in the likeness of the dials from the Gevril of yesteryear. Gevril watches are meticulously hand crafted utilizing high quality materials.

A highly popular model is the Glamour Pink Dial Leather Women's as well as The Avenue of America's Timepiece depicted to the left sporting a sleek elegant rectangular dial surrounded by a warm 18k rose gold bezel rendering a bold presence. Arabic Numeral hour markers seem to dance and glitter with confident energy. The impeccable craftsmanship is evident in the sleek design and precise timekeeping. With this type of quality, it is no wonder that Gevril manufactured a mere 6000 pieces a year. Collections are created in limited editions of but 250 pieces for steel versions and 100 pieces for gold versions. Gevril is not looking to provide watches to the masses, but rather to people who appreciate the art of excellent watch making.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Audemars Piguet has blended form and function in an exquisite display of mechanical craftsmanship. The Audemars Piguet Millenary 4101 is an exclusively in-house movement comprising of 253 parts. Encapsulated in an Audemars Piguet signature Millenary Case, the movement is reconstructed so that vital components of the movement - balance, lever and escapement- face to the front, and are plainly visible at the 9 'o clock position.

The construction of this timepiece is accomplished with the aid of 12 well placed bridges securing the various elements of the movement. The bridges are crafted in gentle curves and decorated in horizontal Côtes de Genève, circular graining, and snailing on the “trottoirs”. On the left of the dial, jewels and screws ,often obscured by the dial, are now visible.

This accomplishment by no means effects the integrity of the movement, but on the contrary,due to a variable-inertia balance equipped with eight white gold inertia-weights, it actually increases the long-term rating stability. The timepiece beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour. Many new watches on the market today are geared towards improved shock-absorption, and the Audemars Piguet Millenary 4101 is no exception. Utilizing cross-through balance-bridges, Audemars Piguet has improved shock resistance by securing it on both sides of the main plate.

The automatic timepiece is wound via a 22-carat gold oscillating weight mounted on ceramic ball bearings. The watch is available in pink gold and is rhodiumed and gilded. The steel version has an attractive finish accomplished by an anthracite galvanic treatment.

This watch has achieved the Hallmark of Geneve, and is a fine example of craftsmanship at its best.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Not too sure if your wristwatch interest has reached the level of outright passion. This may add a little fuel to your fire. Check out the new Watch Machine - The Hublot La Cle Due Temps Watch or the "Key of Time."Part of Hublot'sextremely high end division "HublotConfrerie" this watch has an incredible mastery of time. In fact the Hublot la Cle Due temps can actually speed up or slow down time, as if to say, "Time waits for no one, aside for myself". Of course it is all in the perception of the wearer made possible by a ingenious mechanical movement of the timepiece. Then again, increments of time are man made and can be divided in any which way. The actual watch look is quite bold and slightly evil looking. The dial reminds me of an industrial stove top fashioned from wrought iron and the luminescence glows as if radioactive. But it is the shape of the dial that really interests me. It is fashioned like the coronal view of the brain. A vertical tourbillon is mounted on the watch case like a submarine propeller. The time is displayed on the upper left corner of the dial. On the left is a selector, which enables one to manipulate the passage of time by either speeding it up or slowing it down. The selection is made via a specialized crown on the left of the watch. One can always switch back to the correct passage of time. Below the selector is a 5 day power reserve displayed as an enigmatic green glow.

I find this idea of playing with time quite intriguing, after all the speed at which time passes us by is within the confines of our own personal experiences. If one is under water holding ones breath, one can only imagine how achingly slow time nudges by; then again if one is on a weekend getaway basking under the Caribbean sun, time rushes by and very soon one is scrambling back to work.

No! I have not forgotten about the green stuff. I do not know the exact chemical composition exuding the bright green glow, but it sure has great luminescence capabilities. Futuristic looking watches seem to ask for a green glow as in Concords C1 QuantumGravityTourbillon

You have just purchased an exquisite Patek Phillipe Complicated Perpetual Calendar luxury watch. This is a purchase of a lifetime, a legacy to be passed from generation to generation. After all Patek Phillipe is one of the most sought after watch brands , a triumph held since 1839. The craftsmanship is impeccable, the movement - a symphony of moving parts. However,

this watch, like all other watches, require proper storage and maintenance. A watch can last many lifetimes if taken care of. When purchasing your watch do a bit of research into caring for your watch.

A Watch is comprised of many different parts that need to be cared for in different ways. The part of the watch that bares most of the brunt of everyday wear and tear is the Watch Crystal (the transparent cover on your watch face) and requires care. The Sapphire Crystal is an extremely hard material - 9 on the Moh Scale and is scratch resistant to most materials.

Caring for your Watch Crystal1. Wrap your Luxury watch in a soft cloth before placing it on a hard surface such as your granite kitchen counter.

2. Whenever possible, store your Luxury Watch in its original box.

3. Do not store your Luxury Watch with your other jewelry. Diamonds are harder than Sapphire Crystal and can scratch the surface.

4. Avoid wearing your Watch during high risk activity such as moving heavy equipment or Sports such as Rock Climbing. (Some Sports Watches are crafted for this type of activity. Make sure your Watch is designed for those activities.)

5. Avoid wearing other jewelry on the same wrist as the constant rubbing may cause abrasions to your Watch.

6. Avoid inadvertently scraping you watch against corridor walls or on furniture. Some man made materials used to make simulated stone surfaces for furniture and walls comprise of incorporated silicon carbide which is a very hard material and can scratch most Watch Crystals.

Caring for your Watch Bracelet:Whether your Watch Bracelet is stainless steel, gold, gold-plated, platinum, titanium, Tungsten Carbide, rubber or a combination, the same precautions must be taken as Caring for your Watch Crystal. (above) .

Caring for your Leather Watch Bands:1. Do not expose your Leather Strap to water. Water causes the leather to become brittle, crack, and eventually break.

2. Do not expose your Watch strap to perfumes and other chemicals; this may degrade the leather.

The length of your watches lifespan is determined by your care, personal wearing habits, and the climate in which you live.

Caring for your Quartz Watch and battery.1. Do not pull out the stem/crown of your Watch in order to save your Watch battery. You will be harming your watch by exposing its movement to dust and moisture which may cause the Watch movement to malfunction. In addition, pulling out the Watch stem/crown will not save your battery life, it merely disengages the hands from the movement. The movement still runs depleting the battery power.

2.Your Watch Battery is probably a 1.55 volt silver oxide battery. It will probably last 2-5 years depending on the brand, type of watch and movement. Do not attempt to change your watch battery yourself, especially if your Watch is water resistant. Opening the back of the Watch by an unauthorized individual may void the warranty of your watch. This task must be performed by an Authorized Service Center for your Watch Brand or an accomplished watchmaker who will change the battery by performing a detailed process of 27 intricate steps. Listed below are the main steps involved:Measurement of the lower working voltage

Timing test on quartz timer

Replacement of gaskets and crown if worn down, thereby hampering the watches water resistance.

Checking proper fit of case back and gasket seat

Testing the water-resistant models to ensure seal has been reestablished

Finally cleaning the case and metal bracelet

Quartz watches are powered by the battery and therefore do not need to be wound.Caring for the movements of your Watch.1. A loose, chipped or cracked crystal must be replaced immediately to prevent dust from entering the watch movement. Dust is a Watches nightmare. Even a tiny speck of dust can stop your Watch.

2. In the event a watch is only worn on rare occasions, store your Watch in its original box in a dry area to protect it from dust.

3. Regular maintenance is the key for the longevity of your watch. A mechanical movement needs to be serviced every 3-5 years, and a quartz movement at every battery change. Water resistance seals and gaskets can become worn resulting in small open spaces which will allow air, dust and moisture to enter.

Caring for Water Resistancy of your Watch.1. Do not submerge your Watch in Water even though it states it is water resistant. Watches that are Water Resistance to 30 meters can only withstand minor splashes. No Watch is Water Proof. Some Watches like the Tag Heuer Aquaracers are Water Resistant to 300 meters; however, although it can used for extreme Water Sports , it requires a Helium valve for very deep dives. 2. Service your Watch once every 2-3 years to ensure that your watch remains water resistance. Seals and Gaskets may crack and need to be replaced. Water Resistance is not permanent.

3. Do not shower, bathe or swim while wearing your watch. Other agents such as chlorine, steam, soap, mildew, salt water and perfume, may enter the watch. If not cleaned immediately, these agents will over time corrode the gaskets and the seals thereby effecting the watches water resistance as well as allowing dust to enter, damaging the movements of your watch.

There is no substitute for good watch habits. Take care of your Watch and it will keep on ticking.

About Me

Writing about watches since 2007.
As I held a pocket watch in the palm of my hand, my love for the intricate mechanical craftsmanship turned to an unbridled obsession. Thankfully my training in research methodology has molded my horological passion within the boundaries of scientific exploration.
I also am a regular contributor on aBlogtoWatch.